The leader of Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels declared on Thursday that his movement would not remain neutral in the ongoing war between the United States, Israel, and Iran, vowing military intervention if regional developments require it.

Abdul-Malik al-Houthi made the remarks in a televised speech broadcast by the Houthi-affiliated Al-Masirah TV channel. "We are not neutral, but our position stems from belonging to Islam and the Islamic nation," he said. He added that the group stands "fully militarily ready with all options" and has its "hands on the trigger," leaving the timing to leadership discretion. Al-Houthi described U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran as "unjustified" and part of a "Zionist plot" to reshape the Middle East.

The statement comes nearly a month into the conflict, which erupted on February 28, 2026, when the U.S. and Israel launched surprise airstrikes on over 500 Iranian targets under Operations Epic Fury and Roaring Lion. The initial barrage killed Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and other top officials, targeting nuclear sites, military bases, and missile facilities. Iran retaliated with hundreds of drones and ballistic missiles under Operation True Promise IV, striking Israel and U.S. bases across the Gulf region, including in Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE.

Since then, the U.S. and Israel have conducted over 8,000 strikes, destroying much of Iran's navy, air defenses, and missile launchers. Iran has fired more than 1,250 ballistic missiles and 2,300 drones in response, while closing the Strait of Hormuz to non-cooperating vessels and imposing tolls in Chinese yuan on passing ships. Casualties number in the thousands on both sides, with Iranian sources reporting over 3,300 deaths and U.S.-Israeli figures citing around 6,000 Iranian military killed. The war has driven oil prices above $114 per barrel and disrupted global shipping and aviation.

The Houthis, who have controlled much of Yemen, including the capital Sanaa, since 2014, have so far limited their role to rhetorical support and threats. They previously attacked Red Sea shipping in solidarity with Gaza but agreed to a U.S. truce in May 2025. Recent warnings include potential blockades of the Bab al-Mandeb Strait alongside Iran, targeting U.S. warships like the USS Abraham Lincoln, and strikes on Gulf energy facilities. Analysts note the group has low weapons stockpiles but continues drone production and recruitment.

Yemenis expressed alarm over possible Houthi escalation, fearing economic collapse in a country dependent on imports for 85% of food and fuel. Residents worry that Red Sea disruptions would spike prices, worsen hunger, and reignite civil war with U.S.-backed forces. The U.S. presented Iran a 15-point ceasefire proposal via Pakistan on March 24, demanding an end to nuclear activities and proxy support, but Tehran rejected it as "maximalist."

No immediate Houthi actions followed Thursday's speech, amid ongoing U.S. strikes on Iranian proxies in Iraq. The combined U.S.-Israeli force continues to degrade Iran's capabilities, with President Trump extending a pause on energy infrastructure strikes until early April.